Detroit Preview: BYD bringing two new plug-in vehicles, e6 Premier and S6DM plug-in SUV
Chinese-based BYD Motors Inc. has sizable plans for the upcoming 2011 Detroit Auto Show. BYD will present its “Three Green Dreams” strategy, that (surprise!) showcases three green energy items: solar power; environmentally friendly energy storage (the company’s lithium-ion iron phosphate batteries) and efficient energy consumption symbolized by the automaker’s plug-in vehicles. Additionally, the Chinese automaker will show off its “Green City Solutions” that features electric-drive vehicles, home energy storage units and energy-saving LED lighting.
While BYD will use its show floor space to woo the crowd with its advanced technology, the automaker will turn to the podium to reveal its U.S. launch schedule for plug-in vehicles – as it kind of did last year. BYD will display its 2012 e6 Premier electric crossover and will wheel out its S6DM (a dual-mode plug-in hybrid SUV), both of which will be shown for the first time ever. However, we expect that BYD’s U.S. launch announcement will be connected to the automaker’s F3DM – a vehicle that hit the streets for fleet testing in California a short while ago – and the E6 electric.
PRESS RELEASE
BYD to Announce Green Vision at NAIAS on January 10th
BYD Co., Ltd (BYD) is to reveal plans for the launch of US-ready green-technology vehicles and products. BYD plans to present their “Three Green Dreams” Strategy at the upcoming 2011 North America International Auto Show (NAIAS) from January 10th to 23rd. BYD will showcase their “Green City Solutions”, their green electric vehicle series, and a portfolio of eco-friendly products including: solar panels, home energy storage units and energy-saving LED Lighting. This is BYD’s fourth consecutive appearance at the Detroit COBO Center for the Auto Show.
BYD’s “Three Green Dreams” focuses on renewable energy generation, environmentally-friendly energy storage and efficient energy consumption, covering solar power, Iron-phosphate energy storage and electric vehicles. BYD will present their short and long term “Green City Solutions” which includes plans to help cities electrify all public transportation, and reduce air pollution and carbon emissions at a low cost.
BYD’s pure-electric vehicle — the e6 Premier (2012 Year Model) and the brand-new dual mode electric SUV — the S6DM will make their world premieres on the main floor exhibit space at the COBO Center at the 2011 NAIAS. The World’s first mass-produced F3DM sedan low-carbon version and the core drive technology of the pure-electric bus, shown at EVS25 recently, will also be showcased.
The new 5-seat crossover — the BYD e6 Premier (2012 Year Model) has a more dynamic and sporty exterior design. Equipped with BYD Iron-phosphate “FE” battery, the e6 Premier has an expected range of 300km (or 186.4 miles) on urban roads, while its projected top speed is 140km/h (or 87 mph). It only takes 40 minutes to fully charge the e6 on the 100kW fast charging cabinet and 6 hours to overnight-charge the e6 on the 10kW standard charging pole. These characteristics make the e6 ideal for daily commuters and in-town driving.
The core technology of the pure-electric K9 e-Bus is another BYD breakthrough in the field of electrified transportation. The specially designed in-wheel electric drive and the electronically-controlled air suspension allows this 12-meter-long e-Bus to have ample space and a low-floor for easy passenger loading and unloading. The K9 is able to run 250+ km (155+ miles) on a single charge.
The BYD S6DM SUV is the world’s first independent 4WD dual-mode electric SUV. Traveling over 60km (38 miles) purely on electric power and over 310 miles extended range when engaging the environmentally friendly 2.0L gasoline engine, this SUV sports a 10kW electric motor (M1) paired with a smooth 6-speed dual-clutch transmission propelling the front wheels while a powerful 75kW electric motor (M2) powers the rear wheels.
The F3DM low-carbon version also features the BYD Fe battery together with a BYD 371QA 1.0-liter gasoline engine. This vehicle is equipped standard with a solar panel sunroof to parallel charge the Fe battery. Powered by the Fe battery pack alone, the F3DM can travel over 60km (38+ miles). The extended range HEV mode allows the car to achieve another 500 km (or 313 miles) with a maximum speed of 150km/h (about 93.2 mph).
About BYD
BYD is ranked #1 at the top of Bloomberg’s and BusinessWeek’s 2009 Tech 100 List and is the leading manufacturer of advanced, environmentally-friendly battery technologies like the BYD’s Iron Phosphate battery. BYD’s solar panels and LED Lighting systems have TUV/CE and UL listings, and the company enjoys rapid growth in consumer electronics space and automobile manufacturing under its BYD brand. With investments from Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway) and MidAmerican Energy Holdings, today, BYD is the fastest-growing Chinese automotive and green energy technology manufacturer.
